Quick report
Nice day for a tour up Lolo Peak. Started at 9:30am with an air temp of 18F at the trailhead and ended around 2pm with an air temp of 33F. Clear sky the entire day. Calm at mid elevations and light winds at upper elevations from W/NW with moderate gusts. Surface hoar (ranging from 1-5mm) was present on most aspects at mid to upper elevations; surface hoar at upper elevations in more exposed areas was knocked over. Stopped to dig a pit at 8,060ft. Measured an average snow depth of 80cm. Height of pit was 75cm. 1-2" of new snow on top of consolidated slab (some wind transport) about 56cm thick ranging from 1F/1F+ to pencil. Two melt freeze crusts: one at 19cm and one at 11cm. Small facets observed just below the bottom crust layer. Air temp. at this elevation was 23F. Main hazard today was thin coverage; there are still areas of rocks and downed trees barely covered with snow. Main goal today was to observe conditions and ski conservatively. As the season progresses, it will be important to make note that surface hoar with the possibility of being buried is a potential weak layer and could be problematic during the early season, especially in areas with thinner snowpack.